Convertible laptop PC bag to workstation with legs

ABSTRACT

A laptop pc bag provides not only a standard laptop carrying case for carrying and protecting a laptop PC but also a desk. The height of the bag can be adjusted by extending the legs as far as desired, from approximately six inches to thirty-six inches, thereby providing the right height of the desk for the user. This allows users of all ages and sizes to take advantage of bag in its desk format, regardless of where they are. The legs ultimately provide the user more freedom with their laptop PC and will allow the user to perform the tasks at hand in an easier and more comfortable manner than previously possible. A considerably more versatile laptop bag is provided, one that can be transformed from a normal standard laptop carrying case into a portable workstation, for today&#39;s more versatile user and workplace.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/470,369, filed May 14, 2003, and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/505,225, filed on Sep. 23, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to bags and stands for notebook personalcomputers (also known as, PC's or laptops).

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Notebook PC's have changed how business is conducted by providingthe ability to access your computer on your lap: hence the name laptop.However, as the notebook computer evolved and uses and needs thereforegrew, the notebook computer became a more important part of everydaylife. Unfortunately, most people are still using laptop computers ontheir laps, which is not a very comfortable way to work.

[0006] Business travelers need a desk at which they can work when out ofthe office. However, any portable desk must comply with airport securityguidelines. In particular, parts of any portable desk should not be ableto be disassembled into any potential weapon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide aconvertible laptop PC bag to workstation with legs that overcomes thehereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices ofthis general type and that provides a carrying case that can convert toa desk-like workstation wherever the user takes their laptop.

[0008] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided,in accordance with the invention, a convertible laptop pc bag &workstation, including a standard laptop pc bag, and three adjustablelegs. The invention enables the bag to transform into a desk.

[0009] The invention, an improved laptop carrying case, has the abilityto turn into a desk regardless of where the user is. The legs arelightweight, yet very strong, and fit neatly in the bottom of the laptopbag when not being used. Once the legs have been extended, one has adesk to work on rather than your lap: thus, a more ergonomic comfortableworking position. In addition, since there is no direct contact betweenthe laptop and one's legs, the bag can virtually eliminate the chancesof leg burns, which can occur from the extraordinary heat laptops canreach, as high as 140° F. Finally, since the laptop computer is in theconfines of the bag, the computer is protected at all times, rather thanbeing completely exposed, possible leading to the computer being moreeasily dropped or broken.

[0010] More importantly, according to an Intel article published inMarch of 2002, “92% of all corporate travelers use a laptop pc while onthe road.” Additionally, and even more recently and compelling, for thefirst time ever, in quarter two of 2003, laptop computer sales outpaceddesktop computer sales, proving the growing trend of laptop popularity.Therefore, this invention is one that will likely be in great demand.

[0011] In accordance with a further object of the invention, theadjustable legs will provide an improved laptop carrying case. A morecomfortable working environment for the user while using their laptopwill serve multiple uses and overall will provide a more user-friendly,enhanced laptop bag. Further, this enhanced laptop carrying case willremain economically comparable to the existing standard laptop bag onthe market. The actual bag will be a standard laptop bag, similar to onefound in a computer store or one that comes with the computer. Apreferred size is approximately fifteen by seventeen by eight inches.However, the bag will be manufactured in different sizes to accommodatevarious size laptop computers and other versions such as, but notlimited to, a briefcase version made of leather, aluminum, or plastic, aportable DVD Player bag/stand version for viewing, a wheeling versionmore appropriate for airline travel, a hair and make-up case and stand,a disc jockey/music carrying case and stand, etc. All the previouslymentioned embodiments can be made of various materials.

[0012] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the bag canbe made in various sizes, various colors, various materials, and variousformats and purposes, for example a portable DVD viewing bag/stand madeof leather. The DVD version would be considerably smaller bag than theaverage laptop PC bag.

[0013] Above are listed various formats for the bag, such as thebriefcase version, and the DVD player versions, as well as differentpossible materials and sizes for the bag and legs. However, the favoredformat or best mode is the standard black nylon bag, with thelightweight, heavy-duty black anodized aluminum legs, with rubberstoppers at the ends to provide a stable non-skid base.

[0014] In accordance with a further object of the invention, a singleleg can be attached to the center of the bottom of the bag. A tripod atthe bottom of the leg stabilizes the workstation.

[0015] With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provideda second embodiment of an improved laptop carrying case that has theability to turn into a desk regardless of where the user is. The legsare lightweight, yet very strong, and fit neatly in the laptop bag whennot being used. The four legs individually screw into the fourdesignated sockets on the bottom portion of the bag. Once installed theuser has a desk on which to work, rather than their lap.

[0016] Other features that are considered as characteristic for theinvention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0017] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein asembodied in a convertible laptop PC bag to workstation with legs, it is,nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown sincevarious modifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims.

[0018] The construction and method of operation of the invention,however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, willbe best understood from the following description of specificembodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front perspective of a bag according to afirst embodiment of the invention in a closed position;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment in anopened position;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a partial front side view of a leg of the firstembodiment;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a front side view of the leg first embodiment;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment withthe legs deployed;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic bottom side view of a second embodimentof the bag according to the invention;

[0027]FIG. 9 is front perspective view of the second embodiment in anopened position;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the second embodiment inthe opened position and with the legs deployed;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a front side view of an unextended leg of the secondembodiment; and

[0030]FIG. 12 is a front side view of an extended leg of the secondembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first,particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a bottom side of bag 14constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. Thetop part of bag 14 has handle 8 made of strong plastic and may becovered in the same material as bag 14. Bag 14 has two compartments, thetop being computer storage compartment 18, and the bottom being legstorage compartment 16. Unzipping their appropriate zippers (zipper forcomputer storage compartment 10 and zipper for leg storage compartment12) opens the respective compartment.

[0032]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of bag 14 in a closed state. Zipperfor computer compartment 10 is in the top left corner of bag 14 whenclosed; when unzipped, computer storage compartment 18 is exposed, andthe user is able to begin their task. Zipper for leg compartment 12 isin the bottom left corner of bag 14 when closed as well, and whenunzipped legs 20 are exposed.

[0033]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inside of the leg storagecompartment 16, the bottom part of bag 14. The user pulls each leg 20out and down individually from leg storage compartment 16. At whichpoint, each leg 20 swivels from a horizontal position to a verticalposition. The back two legs 20 are connected to the corners of bag 14 byhinge 32 that is bolted into the two back corners of leg storagecompartment 16. The front leg 20 is in the center of the front part ofleg storage compartment 16, and is also attached by hinge 32, which isbolted in as well. It is hinge 32 that enables the leg to swivel andmove from a horizontal packed bag position to a vertical desk position,enabling the conversion from bag to desk.

[0034]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of leg 20 with rubber stopper 22 atthe bottom of leg 20 and quick-release lock 38. This is leg 20 in itsshortest form, before it is extended out, to a possible maximum of sixtimes its shortest form. Leg 20 will measure approximately six inches,when not extended, and can extend out as far as approximately thirty-sixinches. Legs 20 in the most favored form will be made of lightweight,heavy-duty black anodized aluminum and will have rubber stoppers 22 atthe ends to provide a stable non-skid base. Legs 20 may also be made inmaterials such as, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, and plastic.

[0035]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of bag 14 and computer storagecompartment 18 in an open state. The inside of flap from computercompartment 30 has pockets for files 34 to hold files, papers folders,etc., and a pocket for disks 36 to hold standard computer accessories,such as computer disks, compact discs, DVD's, pens, etc. FIG. 5 showsbag 14 separated into two separate compartments: one compartment housingthe computer equipment, computer storage compartment 18, which will bepadded with shock absorbing EVA foam for the laptop's protection andaccommodating various size laptops, and the leg storage compartment 16housing the legs. Legs 20 are exposed by unzipping flap from legcompartment 24. Legs 20 are in a desk position and are at their shortestform, providing elevation from the ground, ones lap, or surface that oneis working on. Additional compartments, which may or may not be added,may include small pockets for extra cords, computer accessories orpersonal items.

[0036]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of leg 20 once it has been extendedout to its greatest length, preferably, thirty-six inches. The adjustedheight is determined by placing the spring-loaded button 26 intorespective holes on legs 28. This feature will be similar to an aluminumadjustable walking cane.

[0037]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of bag 14 in its final form as adesk. Legs 20 are at their longest length, completing the transformationfrom bag to desk. Legs 20 are fully extended, and spring-loaded buttons26 are locked into the respective holes on legs 28. Flap 24 hangs downin the back so legs 20 can be exposed and extended out.

[0038] In operation, one uses bag 14 in a normal manner, for carryingand protecting. Once the user has reached the destination where he orshe plans to use the laptop, bag 14 turns from a carrying case into adesk/workstation. One can adjust the height of the workstationappropriately for the user's most comfortable ergonomic workingposition.

[0039]FIG. 1 shows the bottom side of bag 14. It is in this part of bag14 where the user will find leg storage compartment 16, which is wherelegs 20 are housed when not being used. The user will carry bag 14 whileit is in its bag format, by carrying it by handle 8.

[0040]FIG. 2 shows bag 14 in a closed state, lying on its bottom side,showing the top side of bag 14. The user will open and expose computerstorage compartment 18 by unzipping flap for computer compartment 30 byusing zipper 10.

[0041]FIG. 3 shows the inside of leg storage compartment 16. Legs 20 arehoused in this section of bag 14. There are two legs in the backcorners, and one leg in the center of the front of leg storagecompartment 16. The user will swivel each leg 20 individually downtowards the ground into a vertical positioning, turning the bag into adesk. However, at this point in FIG. 3, legs 20 are still in a packedposition.

[0042]FIG. 4 shows leg 20 in its smallest form, as it will be whenstored in leg storage compartment 16 and before being extended. The userwill swivel each leg 20 individually, and move legs 20 from a horizontalposition to a vertical position, enabling the base of the desk to bemade. Also shown is quick-release lock 38, which the user must twist toloosen the grasp of the other pieces of the telescoping legs, enablingleg 20 to extend, then one can tighten leg 20 once it is in an extendedlocked position. Rubber stopper 22 when in operation will provide astable non-skid base.

[0043]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of bag 14 and computer storagecompartment 18 in an open state, with legs 20 at the shortest possiblelength. The user would be using the bag 14 in its desk format, howeverthis would likely be used while the user is sitting on the floor, andthey simply need their laptop to be elevated. The user of course hasmany options as to the exact height they wish to work on, by simplyextending legs 20.

[0044]FIG. 6 shows leg 20 in its fully extended form. The user canextend leg 20 to the appropriate length by first twisting thequick-release locks 38, which allows each leg 20 section to telescopedown to the floor, once the appropriate height is reached. The usersimply places the spring-loaded button 26 into the appropriate hole onleg 28, and this can be done any where along each section of leg 20,maximizing the number of different heights the desk can be set at, justlike an adjustable aluminum walking cane. The user has the option to sitin a chair and extend leg 20 to fit the user's height or the chair'sheight, or the user could sit on the floor, grass, sand, or virtuallyany surface, and just have the legs extended out slightly to provideelevation and a more comfortable ergonomic working position, instead ofbeing hunched over. Typically, a table surface is about thirty incheshigh. A minimum length of the legs is a size that can fit within thesmallest dimension (length or width) of the bag; this is usually aboutten inches.

[0045]FIG. 7 shows bag 14 in its desk format. Legs 20 have been fullyextended and locked into place. The user can adjust the height of legs20, to match their appropriate height, or the appropriate height for theseat they are using, by simply telescoping out leg 20. To assure theappropriate height and a stable workstation to work on, the user willuse quick-release locks 38 and spring-loaded buttons 26, locking thelegs 20 into a locked stable position.

[0046]FIG. 8 is a bottom side view showing the bottom side of bag 114constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. Thetop part of bag 114 has handle 108 made of strong plastic and may becovered in the same material as bag 114. On the bottom of bag 114, arefour designated areas 110, encasing four sockets 112, where legs 120will screw and lock in. The four designated areas 110 where legs 120screw in, will be made of the same material as legs 120, the mostfavored format being lightweight, heavy-duty black anodized aluminum.

[0047]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of bag 114 in an open state. Legstorage compartment 130 has flap 118 made of nylon secured by steelzipper 116. Once flap 118 is unzipped using zipper 116, four legs 120are revealed and visible. Hook and loop fastener straps 132, such asthose sold under the trade name VELCRO®, secure legs 120 in leg storagecompartment 130. Flap 118 has pockets on the front side when zipped andclosed, to hold standard computer accessories, such as disks, DVD's,compact disks, pens, etc. Flap 118 separates bag 114 into two separatecompartments: one compartment housing the computer equipment(hereinafter the “main compartment”), which will be padded with shockabsorbing EVA foam for the laptop's protection, and one compartmenthousing the legs (hereinafter the “leg storage compartment”). Additionalcompartments, which may or may not be added, may include small pocketsfor extra cords or personal items.

[0048]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bag 114 when it is opened andlegs 120 have been fully extended and attached, completing thetransformation from bag to desk. In leg storage compartment 130 whenzippered closed, the user will have two pockets, one pocket for files134 and one pocket for disks 136, other cords, cables, and peripheralscan be stored in these pockets as well. Legs 120 are fully extended outand buttons 126 are in the appropriate holes 128.

[0049]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a leg 120, a rubber stopper 122at the bottom of leg 120, and a screw 124 at the top of leg 120. This isleg 120 in its shortest form, before it is extended to a possiblemaximum of three times its shortest form. Preferably, leg 120 willmeasure approximately ten inches, when not extended, and can extend outas far as approximately thirty inches. Legs 120 in the most favored formwill be made of lightweight, heavy-duty black anodized aluminum and willhave rubber stoppers 122 at the ends to provide a stable non-skid base.Legs 120 may also be made in materials such as, but not limited to,steel, aluminum, and plastics.

[0050]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of leg 120 once it has been extendedout to its greatest length, thirty inches. The adjusted height isdetermined by the location of button 126 in appropriate hole 128. Thisfeature of leg 120 will be similar to an adjustable metal walking cane.

[0051] In operation, one uses the second embodiment of the bag 114 in anormal manner, for carrying and protecting. Once the user has reachedthe destination where he or she plans to use the laptop, bag 114 turnsfrom a carrying case into a desk/workstation. One can adjust the heightof the workstation appropriately for the user's most comfortableergonomic working position.

[0052]FIG. 8 shows the bottom side of bag 114. It is in this part of bag114 where the user will find four designated areas 110 and fourdesignated sockets 112, which is where legs 120 screw and lock in. Theuser will carry bag 114 while it is in its bag format, by carrying it byhandle 108.

[0053]FIG. 9 shows bag 114 in an open state. The user will expose legs120 by unzipping flap 118 with zipper 116. Legs 120 will be removed fromthe leg storage compartment 130 by opening the hook and loop fastenerstraps 132, which will free legs 120 so they can be installed into thefour designated areas 110.

[0054]FIG. 10 shows bag 114 in its desk format. Legs 120 have been fullyextended and installed. The user can adjust the height of legs 120, tomatch their appropriate height, or the appropriate height for the seatthey are using, by simply telescoping out leg 120. To assure theappropriate height and a stable workstation to work on, the user willlock in button 126 into appropriate hole 128 that suits the user.

[0055]FIG. 11 shows leg 120 in its smallest form, as it will be whenstored in bag 114 and before being extended. The user will take leg 120and screw it into bag 114 using screw 124, which is part of and at thetop of leg 120. Also shown is rubber stopper 122, which is where the legis extended from and when in operation will provide a stable non-skidbase.

[0056]FIG. 12 shows leg 120 in its fully extended form. The user canextend leg 120 to the appropriate length by pulling out from rubberstopper 122 and locking in button 126 into the appropriate hole 128. Theuser will also have the option to sit in a chair and extend leg 120 tofit their height or their chair's height. Or, the user could sit on thefloor, grass, or sand and just have the legs extended slightly to justprovide a more comfortable ergonomic working position, instead of beinghunched over. This is all accomplished while still protecting yourcomputer.

I claim:
 1. A convertible bag for storing and supporting a notebookcomputer, comprising: a bag for holding the notebook computer; and a legconnected to said bag, said leg being retractable into said bag andbeing deployable to support said bag and the notebook computer restingon said bag.
 2. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein saidbag has: a laptop compartment for holding the laptop computer; and a legcompartment storing said leg when said leg is retracted.
 3. Theconvertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said laptop compartment isabove said leg compartment when said leg is deployed.
 4. The convertiblebag according to claim 1, wherein said leg is telescoping.
 5. Theconvertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising two furtherlegs to stabilize the bag without further support.
 6. The convertiblebag according to claim 1, further comprising three further legs, each ofsaid legs being connected to a respective corner of said bag.
 7. Theconvertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising a hingeinterconnecting said leg to said bag, said leg pivoting on said hingebetween deployed and retracted positions.
 8. The convertible bagaccording to claim 1, wherein said bag has a socket formed therein andsaid leg inserts into said socket when said leg is deployed.
 9. Theconvertible bag according to claim 8, wherein said leg has a screw andsaid screw connects to said socket.
 10. The convertible bag according toclaim 1, wherein said leg is permanently connected to said bag.
 11. Theconvertible bag according to claim 4, wherein said telescoping leg has aminimum height and maximum height, said minimum height beingapproximately ten inches, and said maximum height being at least thirtyinches.
 12. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprisinga rubber stopper connected to a bottom of said leg.
 13. The convertiblebag according to claim 5, wherein: said bag is rectangular and has twoopposing pairs of sides; a first of said legs is connected along a firstside of one of said two opposing pairs of sides; and a second and athird of said legs are connected along a second side of said one of saidtwo opposing pairs of sides.
 14. The convertible bag according to claim1, wherein said bag is made from a material selected from the groupconsisting of nylon, leather, and plastic.
 15. The convertible bagaccording to claim 1, further comprising cushioning for protecting thelaptop computer in said bag.
 16. The convertible bag according to claim1, wherein said leg is made from aluminum.